The best time for a new roof is before the damage is done

EVERYONE KNOWS it’s best to make hay while the sun shines, but a sunny day is also a good time to do some roof repairs. Unfortunately, roof work is the type of thing we tend to put off until it’s too late—especially when we’re busy with other sunny-day duties.

That sort of procrastination is how I found myself on a ladder during an autumn gale, raging at the sky like a maniac—equal parts Homer Simpson and King Lear—attempting to patch my roof with a tube of tarry gunk. It was an existential moment, but not in a good way.

Clearly, it would have been better to repair or replace the roof before the leak had caused damage to the interior plaster and woodwork. There’s a good reason we talk about “a roof over one’s head” to express the security and safety of the home. Without a good lid, those walls aren’t much use. In fact, even a minor leak in the roof can cause serious structural damage if left too long.

The advantages of asphalt

Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used roofing material in the Atlantic region. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and somewhat repairable in the event of damage, but they are far from permanent. Before they actually start to let the rain in, you can tell they’re getting near the end of their lifespan: you see cracking, curling, or the ceramic grit worn off, exposing the smooth backing.

If you decide to redo your roof with new asphalt shingles, the old ones may have to be removed, and this is a messy job that needs to be factored into your total cost. In many jurisdictions asphalt shingles can be recycled. Nova Scotia, in fact, is considered a leader in this field, promoting the processing of old shingles so that the asphalt and aggregate components can be used in road paving. (The backing material can be used as an alternative fuel, displacing coal combustion.) Asphalt shingles are available in numerous colours and patterns, so it’s not hard to get an effect that matches the style of your home and your own taste.

The more difficult decision has to do with quality and longevity relative to price. There are minimum standards for shingle weight and tensile strength, but there is no official grading system. Manufacturers label their various types of shingles based on lifespan—25, 30 and even 50 years—but these numbers do not necessarily correspond to the physical properties of the shingle.

The Canadian Roofing Contractors’ Association has advocated for a universal classification system based on actual specifications, but it hasn’t happened yet. “Right now, it’s caveat emptor,” says Peter Kalinger, the group’s technical director, adding that, in his experience, the average lifespan of asphalt shingles is 10 to 25 years.

If you anticipate moving to a new house or wanting to change the colour of your roof in the near future, you may not want to invest much in this project. The most basic asphalt shingles may suit your purposes just fine.

But if you’re willing to pay considerably more for design features and promises of greater longevity, you should do your own research on the various brands. Be sure to read all the fine print in the manufacturers’ warranties, including coverage for wind damage.

Nailing down asphalt shingles is not a high-skill job, but if you’re contemplating doing it yourself, there are some things to know. Improper installation is a sure way to invalidate a warranty. In particular, there are approved techniques for finishing peaks and valleys, and flashing around chimneys. Also bear in mind that asphalt shingles have self-adhesive strips that stick once exposed to the heat of the sun, so extra adhesive should be used for late-season roofing to prevent shingles from lifting before they have a chance to bond.

Colourful composites

While asphalt remains the standard, shingles made from other materials have become popular in recent years. Polymer-based composite shingles generally promise a considerably longer lifespan than asphalt (although there is little history upon which to base performance claims at this point), at a considerably higher price. In addition to a full range of colours, they offer a choice of textures to create the appearance of slate or wood shingles. Again, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s reputation, and scrutinize the warranty.

Make it metal

Metal roofing is the other option for long-term durability. There are metal shingles that, like composite, are made to resemble a traditional roofing material, and they are similarly pricey. The least expensive type of metal roofing is rigid corrugated sheets. The visual effect is somewhat barn-like—which may or may not suit your taste. One of the advantages of sheet metal is that you can leave the old asphalt shingles in place. Horizontal wooden strapping should be installed first, screwed through to the rafters, then the metal is screwed to the strapping, allowing ventilation underneath.

Of course there are more refined sheet metal roofing products, in a wide array of colours and profiles. All incorporate some degree of contour, to allow for expansion and contraction of the metal due to temperature changes. Some have innovative fastening systems, so there are no screws visible on the surface. With the “standing seam” type, the panels lock together along the vertical join, creating a clean, smooth appearance.

Some metal roofing warranties have exemptions for corrosion caused by salt spray in coastal areas—so make sure you’re getting long-term coverage.

Whatever type of roofing you choose, pricing out the materials yourself will allow you to compare contractors’ estimates. And be aware that redoing the roof offers a chance to get a professional assessment of how it’s holding up structurally. It’s also a chance to look for any rotten sheathing or fascia—and to do something about it- while you’ve got a professional crawling around up there.